Fritz Family Brewers gets closer to opening day

Last week's unexpected spring storm may have snarled traffic, but it didn't stop Cory Buenning from showing up at his future brewery, Fritz Family Brewers. Under bright blue skies and snow-heavy trees, Buenning was there doing something that's become familiar to him - managing the myriad details that need attention before he can open his doors this summer.

We first talked to Buenning last November on the day he bought the former Bootstrap Brewing space in Cottonwood Square. At the time, Buenning was delighted at buying the space but realistic about all the work ahead of him. "I'll be more excited when the equipment shows up," he said.

Three weeks ago, that day happened. A brite tank and four fermenters that can produce as many as 500 to 600 barrels annually are now positioned in the brewery. It will be across from the skeleton of what will be an oversized, streamlined bar with the capacity to serve customers from 16 taps.

Buenning spends his days tracking the progress of electricians, plumbers, and other contractors and staying on top of multiple approvals processes.

"We have our building permits and as of yesterday, we were approved for our state liquor license. That was a relief," he said.

Buenning hopes to start brewing his first lagers, a pilsner and a helles, by mid-May. He's hoping for a July 4th opening, but time will tell if that date is practical.

Inside, he expects it to have a slightly modern feel with a large bar that takes up most of the interior space. Buenning also shared it will be a TV-free zone, ideal for conversations over a pint, and that there'll be a turntable behind the bar.

As he walked through the space, he indicated the former stage area will be replaced by seating. There will be more seating on the patio outside, with a large walk-up window and garage doors that open up the building on warmer days.

Buenning was looking to add some fun into the taproom with a kitschy addition that pays homage to the German roots of what he plans to brew. "We've ordered 13 cuckoo clocks and they have already arrived at my house," Buenning said. "They go off on both the half hour and the hour. It could get a little noisy. We'll see. . . some of them I might just turn off if it gets too much."

Once the bar is open, Buenning is giving some thought to how to keep things running well. He's started connecting with the local community, identifying a farmer who was set to take his spent grain to feed to their livestock, something that a lot of breweries have done and that works well.

Buenning is looking at how he'll keep the brewery consistent with the fact that it was named after his son, Fritz, and that the description 'family brewers' is in the business' name.

"We want a place where families feel welcome. We'll probably have special family-dedicated times, maybe one Saturday a month," he said. "We'll put out toys, paper, crayons. The kids will entertain themselves and parents can talk."

Buenning said there may be light, acoustic entertainment from time to time, but not a lot of more active bands. There will be nights when Buenning takes a spot behind the bar, serving pints, playing records, and directly connecting with customers.

"Bartending is a social outlet for me. I spend most days alone in the brew house so it's nice to get a little social time and it's a way for me to connect with friends and customers, meet the regulars, get feedback on my beers." he said.

For most Niwot craft beer fans, that day likely can't come soon enough.